Afghanistan squad for T20 World Cup 2021

There is a lot that has been going around the Afghanistan national cricket team. With the takeover of the Taliban, cricket has not faced a far polarizing approach. However, it has become exclusive to a point where there is no certainty over the future of women’s cricket in Afghanistan.

There are issues around the captaincy as well. Minutes after the squad was announced, Rashid Khan stepped down as the skipper claiming that he wasn’t consulted while selecting the squad. Mohammad Nabi has stepped in and will be leading the team in the World Cup. The all-rounder is one of the most respected players in the team and has served in this position before, which seems like good news to the team. 

Among experienced and senior players, there is also Asghar Afghan and Najibullah Zadran. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Usman Ghani might not get to start in the playing XI, but will serve as key players in this squad, if and when required. Opener Hazratullah Zazai will be preferred in the XI but there will be a bit of talk around his partner. 

Spin-heavy Afghanistan recall experienced pacers for the mega event

Wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been named in the squad as the top pick, but Mohammad Shahzad’s return to the national team brings experience and power-hitting capability second to none. Among the all-rounders, there is obviously skipper Nabi. But, along with him, Afghanistan has Gulbadin Naib, a former captain, and Sharafuddin Ashraf, who adds depth to this squad. 

Apart from this, Afghanistan have named eight specialist bowlers, making them a 18-member squad, which is expected to be trimmed down to 15 before October 10. ICC has allowed 15 players plus up to seven reserve options due to the COVID scare. Among the long list of bowlers, Afghanistan has some truly exceptional talents. 

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, who have dominated T20 leagues around the globe, are the frontline options. Qais Ahmed has also been named in the squad, overtaking a few good spin options. The pace-bowling unit has Shapoor Zadran and Dawlat Zadran along with Hamid Hassan, who are experienced bowlers and have been around since forever. Naveen-ul-Haq and Karim Janat have also been named in the 18-member squad with two more reserve places secured by Afsar Zazai and Farid Ahmed Malik. 

Squad: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Hamid Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Qais Ahmed 

Reserves: Afsar Zazai, Farid Ahmed Malik